Oven Baked Blackened Salmon Recipe

About Baked Blackened Salmon

I created this blackened salmon recipe to be baked rather than cooked in a traditional hot cast iron skillet for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is that I often serve this dish with my Cajun Alfredo sauce to make creamy Cajun salmon pasta. Cooking blackened salmon baked in the oven allows me to focus on preparing the sauce and pasta without the added hassle of stovetop cooking.

Cooking blackened salmon in the oven is a more hands-off and convenient approach to achieving those signature bold flavors without the intense smoke and splatter from stovetop searing in a pan.

The oven ensures even cooking, and the salmon still develops that beautiful crust with minimal effort. It's the perfect way to enjoy the same delicious taste of blackened fish without the hassle.

More of my favorite Cajun & Creole recipes:

Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya

Cajun Spaghetti

Cajun Salmon Pasta

Baked Blackened Salmon

Blackened Salmon Bowl

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Cajun Crab Dip

Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Cajun Tartar Sauce

Ingredients

• Salmon is a rich fish that holds up well to the bold flavors of blackening.
• Blackened seasoning mix provides the signature smoky, spicy flavor. It’s typically a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and other herbs. You can use a store-bought Cajun blend or make your own homemade blackened seasoning to control the salt levels.
• Butter is the key to creating that classic blackened crust. It helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon while adding richness and enhancing the caramelization process, resulting in a crisp, flavorful coating.
• A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.

Variations

Turn up the spice level by using Cajun seasoning. Blackened seasoning typically has a more balanced, milder flavor while Cajun seasoning is spicier and bolder in flavor.

Swap the squeeze of lemon for lime or orange and garnish with zest for a citrus-forward flavor.

You can substitute olive oil or another cooking oil for the butter. The butter, however, helps achieve that rich, crispy crust, so using an oil with a high smoke point is best for similar results.

How to Make Baked Blackened Salmon

Step 1: Melt butter in a small bowl. Add blackened seasonings to the melted butter and stir to combine.

Step 2: Pat dry the salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush the butter and seasoning mixture on the salmon filets, coating all sides.

Step 3: Place the seasoned salmon on a lined baking sheet. You can use foil or parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake. For a crispy crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked, flaky salmon.

Instead of serving blackened baked salmon as the main course, my family likes to flake it apart and use it as a filling for salmon tacos. Pair with a slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy jalapeno sauce for a fresh, flavorful twist on my air fryer shrimp tacos.

I love to serve a dipping sauce with baked blackened salmon and my spicy Cajun tarter sauce is the perfect choice.

Make it a meal and serve my Cajun crab dip as an appetizer.

Serve over a bed of fresh greens with toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Top with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing for a healthy, protein-packed salmon salad.

My favorite side dishes for salmon are:

• skillet charred corn
• air fryer garlic green beans
• Spanish cauliflower rice
• air fryer sweet potato cubes
• roasted or steamed vegetables

Expert Tips

Pat the salmon dry. Make sure to thoroughly pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier crust.

Generously season. Don’t be shy with the blackened seasoning for salmon! Generously coat the salmon to ensure every bite is packed with bold flavors.

Broil for extra crispiness. For a crispier, blackened crust, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on the salmon to avoid burning.

More Cajun Recipes

Cajun Shrimp Scampi (Spicy Pasta Recipe)

Dutch Oven Jambalaya (Creole Recipe)

Salmon Taco Bowl with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

Cajun Spaghetti with Andouille Sausage

If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!